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Original article: Irán abre Ormuz tras tregua entre Israel y Líbano y afloja uno de los nudos de la crisis

Iran’s decision to reopen the strategically significant Strait of Hormuz comes alongside a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon, loosening one of the knots in the ongoing geopolitical crisis in the Middle East.

The Islamic nation had previously restricted ship passage through this maritime route, which accounts for approximately 20% of global oil and gas trade, since the United States (U.S.) and Israel initiated a military campaign against it on February 28, an action that has had substantial implications on the hydrocarbon market and the global economy.

The announcement, made by Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, explicitly links the measure to the truce established between Israel and Lebanon’s Islamic Resistance Movement (Hezbollah) on Thursday in Washington D.C., which sets a ceasefire for a span of 10 days.

In a message shared through his official X account, Araghchi was clear about the terms of the reopening.

«In line with the ceasefire in Lebanon, all commercial vessels are declared completely open for passage through the Strait of Hormuz for the remainder of the ceasefire period,» tweeted the Iranian Chancellor.

However, he clarified that vessels must continue using the “coordinated and previously announced” route as designated by the Iranian Ports and Maritime Organisation.

In this context, a «high military authority» stated to the Iranian Broadcasting Agency (IRIBI) that only non-military vessels will be allowed to navigate the designated routes and must be authorized by the Naval Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of the Persian nation, as reported by HispanTV.

Iran Insists on Cessation of Israeli Attacks Against Lebanon

Before reopening the maritime route, which is crucial for the exports of countries like Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Iraq, the Iranian Foreign Office had expressed that Tehran welcomed the announcement of the ceasefire in Lebanon.

They indicated that the Islamic Republic has “consistently emphasized the urgent need for a simultaneous ceasefire across the region, including Lebanon.”

It’s important to remember that Iran had conditioned the lifting of its restrictions on the maritime corridor to the enforcement of a ceasefire in Lebanon and the cessation of Israeli attacks on the Arab nation.

Additionally, the 10-point plan that was presented and accepted by President Donald Trump explicitly included the demand for a cessation of aggression against Lebanon.

Following the Republican magnate’s acceptance of Iran’s terms, a ceasefire was agreed upon for a period of two weeks.

Trump reacted and expressed gratitude for the decision made by Iran, which implies the temporary lifting of the blockade of the strait that had lasted for around a month.

“Iran has just announced that the Strait of Iran (Strait of Hormuz) is completely open and ready for total transit. Thank you!” affirmed the occupant of the White House on his social media, who had threatened to impose a maritime blockade, an action that Tehran characterized as “illegal” and an act of piracy.

*Featured Image: HispanTV.

La entrada Iran Reopens Strait of Hormuz Following Ceasefire Between Israel and Lebanon, Easing Geopolitical Tensions se publicó primero en El Ciudadano.